Egyptian Army Detaining Foreign Journalists

Amid continuing protests in Egypt, foreign journalists on the streets of Cairo are facing beatings by pro-government mobs and detainment by the Egyptian army.

"There is a concerted campaign to intimidate international journalists in Cairo and interfere with their reporting. We condemn such actions," U.S. Department of State spokesman P.J. Crowley told the Associated Press.

Protests began 10 days ago when anti-government protestors took to the streets to demand President Hosni Mubarak's resignation after 30 years in office. Wednesday saw pro-Mubarak demonstrators joining the demonstration, clashing with anti-government protestors.

Now, foreign and U.S. media outlets are reporting their staff are facing attacks from Mubarak's supporters, who many believe to be tools of the government.

Reporters from such agencies as The New York Times, Al-Jazeera, The Toronto Globe and Mail and Polish State Television TVP have been detained by Egyptian authorities. One BBC reporter was even blindfolded and handcuffed.

Thursdays clashes follow Wednesday's reports that CNN's Anderson Cooper was among those attacked, having been punched multiple times while trying to reach a safe zone.

But, according to an Egyptian government official, they welcome the work of the press.
Government spokesperson Magdy Rady told the AP that accusations of government involvement in the clashes are false. "It would help our purpose to have it as transparent as possible," he said.

The detainments are reportedly being carried out for the journalists' protection.